Beer: Reviews & Ratings

Excellent beer. The nose and flavor profile were really clean. It could be a little more ester-y (i.e., more Belgian) but I think most people will really appreciate how crisp it is. On a related note, the body made the beer quite drinkable. It bordered on quaffable, which is meant as a compliment - the higher ABV is almost completely hidden - although I would have preferred to see it with a little more mouth-feel, perhaps by way of a slightly higher mash temp. I agree that the roast could be cut a little, although not much. The roasted character was more noticeable when it was cold and seemed more in balance toward the end of my glass. Still, cutting it a little would probably be a good idea. I think the bittering hops were in balance, but I think more aroma and dry hops would be a good thing particularly given the style. The appearance of the beer was beautiful - the color was a rich black, there was nice head retention and some lacing. Overall, this was a terrific and memorable beer. (1,000 characters)

I have to say this beer is unique in its own way. Appearance is black almost opaque, when held up to the light I get a faint ruby color. The aroma the of the beer was nice a citrus with a subtle hint of the Belgian yeast. I was left wanting more Belgian character in the aroma, like more of a nice spicy smell to go with the hop aroma. Besides that the beer smells great. Taste was just wonderful. My mind was telling me that I am going to be getting a nice roasty flavor with chocolate but none of that was there. I will say that some slight roast character did come out, but it was very subtle. Other than the subtle roastiness its a nice well balanced IPA. Beer had a nice mouth feel but maybe could use a bit more body. Beer finished dry which I expected with the Belgian yeast. As for dinkability, good lord I could drink this all night. If I hadn't have come here to see the ABV I would have not believed it. I had it on tape at The J Clyde, but when it's gone it's gone. (977 characters)

So the deal here is that brewmaster Jason Malone started the Urban Carboys group to involve area homebrewers as part of his vision for a truly local brewery. Every participant gets a turn at designing a recipe from scratch, then everyonel gathers at the brewery once a month and does a small batch on his BrewMagic system. Depending on how the beer turns out, he's getting label approval and selling it (via wholesaler) to local beer bar extraordinaire The J. Cylde, where local beer enthusiasts can try it.

So it's giving a few homebrewers the chance to get a beer on tap at a beer bar completely on the up-and-up. And Malone gets a lot of brains collaborating on some of the beers he sells. The good ones will become rotating offerings.

This was the first batch for the group. The goal was to have the appearance of a stout, the body and yeast character of a Belgian, and the hop levels/flavor of an American IPA, with a hint of European flair in the hops. Finishing hops were Amarillo and Sterling.

Appearance is spot on; looks like a stout. Smell is good, but not as intense as it needs to be. Taste is on par with the smell -- very good, but it needs more late hops and more dry hops. Needs to be more IPAish. Belgian yeast is subtle but adds a nice element. A pinch too much roasted character. Mouthfeel is right on with a light body (from the use of white sugar) and plenty of carbonation. And drinkability is incredible. You would never guess this is about 9% ABV. Goes down easy and has you coming back for more. (1,524 characters)